June 1, 2007 – Record high gas prices might cause some people to think about planning summer vacations that are a bit closer to home. To help you with that planning, reporter Tyson Terhune will share stories about local treasures with his five-part series Tri States Day Trips.
The series will be broadcast on Tri States Public Radio on Fridays in June during the 7:30am and 4:30pm newscasts.
You can also hear his stories right here on the web. The first story is about Wildlife Prairie State Park in Illinois and you can listen to it by clicking on the audio button.
Founder Bill Rutherford began the process of creating the park in 1978. The idea was to place Illinois native plants and animals in a preservation area so that people could see them in their natural habitat for generations to come.
The animals are given plenty of space to roam, which can sometimes make it a challenge to spot them. In addition, a series of fences keep the animals a safe distance from visitors.
The park is located about 20 minutes west of Peoria. Admission is $5.50 for adults and organized tours are available.
The park has become a popular location for camping, weekend trips, and business seminars. There have even been weddings held at the park.